END OF THE LINE
With injuries mounting, Rockets win streak ends at 14
Dec 21, 2017, 6:15 am
James Harden's big game was not enough for the depleted Rockets. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
With 8 games in 13 days and injuries mounting, the Houston Rockets’ winning streak ended at 14 after surrendering a loss Wednesday night to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Much like Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz, the visiting Lakers led throughout the majority of the game, due largely in part to a career high 38 points from rookie Kyle Kuzma. Former Rocket Corey Brewer followed in scoring with 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. Fellow rookie Lonzo Ball added 16 points and 9 rebounds.
The game remained close largely in part due to James Harden’s 30 point first half. But unlike most every other game during the winning streak, the now-expected scoring outburst never materialized. It could be a result of mounting injuries, as starting center Clint Capela was out for the game, and starting point guard Chris Paul left with a left abductor strain.
Harden finished the game with 51 points and 9 assists. Eric Gordon contributed 21 from the bench. Trevor Ariza added 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 steals.
The 14-game winning streak win streak ends as the fourth largest in franchise history. Harden’s 51-point outing marks the second time this season scoring more than 50, and extends his season-long streak of scoring 20 or more points to 30 consecutive games.
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The Houston Astros are hoping their ace can help them build momentum.
After taking the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the AL West–leading Astros (58–42) send left-hander Framber Valdez to the mound Tuesday night looking to stretch their edge and get back on track following a rocky 10-game stretch.
Valdez (10–4, 2.75 ERA) has been steady all season, and Houston needs another big outing. The Astros have dropped seven of their last ten despite strong efforts from their starting rotation. But Valdez, with a 1.12 WHIP and 125 strikeouts, remains the club’s most consistent option, and his ability to navigate Arizona’s home run, heavy lineup could be the key to another series win.
The Diamondbacks (50–51), meanwhile, sit just under .500 but have shown flashes, especially at home. Arizona averages nearly 1.5 homers per game, led by Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll. But left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (3–6, 5.94 ERA) has struggled in his first season with the club and draws a tough assignment against one of the AL’s top on-base units.
Just in the nick of time?
Christian Walker, who hit a clutch double against is former team in the opener, is finally giving the Astros the middle-of-the-order power they hoped for when they brought him in. Walker has 13 doubles, a triple, 13 home runs and 51 RBIs for the Astros. With the Astros' rash of injuries, they need Walker's production now more than ever. He has 4 RBIs and 1 dinger in his last 3 games.
Houston enters Tuesday with a narrow edge in the series and on the betting line (-126), but they know there’s little room for error. While Arizona has split its last ten games and actually outscored opponents during that span, the Astros are still trying to shake off a slump that’s seen them hit just .234 with a 4.83 ERA in their last 10.
With the trade deadline looming and the division race tightening, every game — and every inning Valdez can give them — matters a little more.
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -126, Diamondbacks +105; over/under is 8 1/2 runs.
Game 2 lineup
Back at it.
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What are the big takeaways from Tuesday night's lineup? Cam Smith is leading off again, even though many have been pleading with Joe Espada (me included) to leave him in the cleanup spot. Altuve is in the two-spot and serving as the DH.
Hey, at least Christian Walker isn't hitting fourth! (We'll take the small victories when we get them)! Walker is hitting third, followed by Yainer Diaz (C), and Chas McCormick (CF). Game 1 hero Brice Matthews is hitting six and playing second base, followed by Mauricio Dubon (3B), Cooper Hummel (LF), and Zack Short (SS).
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